Prime Minister visits North Tyneside on election trail

David Sedgwick

Prime Minister Theresa May called on voters to secure the country's future with a vote for her party.

During a visit to the North East today (Friday) as part of the General Election campaign, she said the economy was showing improvement in the region.

Protestors outside the Linskill Centre waiting for Theresa May.

Speaking to Party members at the Linskill Centre in North Shields - earmarked for closure more than ten years a ago under a Conservative Elected Mayor - Mrs May made a direct appeal for voters to put their trust in her.

Mrs May said: "If you put your trust in me and back me, I will build a stronger Britain, a fairer Britain that works for everyone not just the privileged few.

"I will strive to earn the trust of all our people. Everyone in our country has a stake in building a better future.

"This is the most important election in my lifetime."

She also outlined why the Conservative Party were the best option to lead the country through the Brexit negotiations, saying they would aim to get the best deal over the next five years.

She said they had capped energy bills, protected pensions, tackled social injustice and invested in the Armed Forces.

Despite Labour's Alan Campbell holding the Tynemouth seat since 1997, and seeing his majority increase, reports suggest the Conservatives have the seat on their top 150 targets, which officials denied.

Mrs May said: "Tynemouth used to be a Conservative seat, we've had a Conservative Mayor in North Tyneside.

"Every vote for me and my local candidates will strengthen our hand in the Brexit negotiations. It's not about how you have voted in the past but for the future of this country."

The North East currently has the largest food bank in the country, while demand for the service has increased elsewhere.

Mrs May said: "Nobody wants to see food banks in this country, but there were food banks under the Labour Government.

"If we are going to deal with the issue of food banks we need a stronger economy with higher paid jobs so people can afford to look after their families."

She added that since the European Referendum, the North East economy had been boosted by the news Nissan was continuing to invest in its Sunderland plant.

"I want to ensure economic growth and prosperity is spread around the country," said Mrs May.